Disposable product dispenser

ABSTRACT

A disposable product dispenser for dispensing product ( 60 ) into a liquid prior to consumption by a user comprises a quantity of product ( 60 ) sufficient for a drink or dose, and a holder ( 1 ) for the product. The holder ( 51 ) is arranged to permit a user to release the product in a controlled manner and to mix the product with a liquid. The dispenser may be for dispensing a liquid or solid and has particular application in the beverage industry permitting customers to mix their own drinks.

The present invention relates to a product dispenser for dispensing astored product into a volume of liquid. The product may be either aliquid or a soluble solid and is particularly, but not exclusively,applicable to the drinks and pharmaceutical industries.

In the beverage field, concentrates are often added to base liquids tochange their flavour, aroma and/or colour. Typically, different syrupsare selectively added to carbonated water to provide a selection ofdifferent soft drinks such as cola, lemonade, orangeade, etc.

In bars mixers are added to various drinks to provide cocktails. In bothcases, large volumes of the concentrate or spirits have to be stored andboth accurate measuring and mixing has to be thoroughly effected beforeserving to the customer. This denies the customer the opportunity ofmixing the drink to his preferred taste.

It is an object to the invention to provide an improved dispenser whichallows the customer, rather than the server, to dispense and mix his ownbeverages.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispenser whichpermits a patient to conveniently mix appropriate pharmaceuticals with aliquid.

According to the present invention there is provided a disposableproduct dispenser for dispensing product into a liquid prior toconsumption, the dispenser comprising a quantity of product sufficientfor a drink or dose and a holder for the product, wherein the holder isarranged to permit a user to release the product in a controlled mannerand to mix the product with the liquid.

The present invention provides a dispenser which can purchased by acustomer in a bar which enables the customer to mix a beverage, forexample a soft water based drink, an alcoholic drink or coffee to hisdesired taste. The customer may simply purchase the dispenser containinga sealed and measured quantity of product and dispense this into avolume liquid, for example carbonated water or hot water, which may befreely available at a collection point.

Employing the present invention, the time consuming mixing of the drinkis transferred from the vendor to the purchaser, providing a significantadvantage to the vendor. Meanwhile, the purchaser can expect to receiveproduct supplied, pre-packed in the dispenser, of the desired qualityand quantity and maintained in a sterile environment prior to opening bythe customer.

An additional benefit of the dispenser in accordance with the inventionis that it may be arranged to provide the customer with a significant“play factor” when dispensing the product, depending on the nature ofthe product and the environment in which it is to be sold. For examplethe product, if a liquid, may be oil based and if dispensed into watercan be arranged to provide interesting suspensions prior to completemixing. The novelty factor which can be provided by a dispenser inaccordance with the present invention can be of significant marketingimportance, particularly in a bar or coffee house environment.

Another major advantage of a dispenser in accordance with the presentinvention is that it can be used to permit automated dispensing of aproduct.

A dispenser in accordance with the present invention may be used notonly for the dispensing of beverages, but may also be used to supplypharmaceutical preparations to a patient and has application to theprovision of any substance that requires mixing with a bulk volume ofliquid, particularly if that liquid is for consumption by a human and itis important to know that the product has been maintained in a sterileenvironment.

The dispenser may advantageously be in the form of a spoon with a cagemounted on the handle of the spoon towards the bowl of the spoon. Aproduct in the cage, for example coffee, can then released by a userinto a cup of hot water.

A dispenser in accordance with the invention may comprise a mixingsection having an-inlet and an outlet, means defining a first path,extending helically in one sense about an axis, means defining a secondpath extending helically in the opposite sense about said axis, bothsaid paths being positioned to receive substantially equal amounts offluid from said inlet and to discharge the fluids flowing there along toa common location adjacent said outlet, whereby to effect turbulentmixing.

Disposable product dispenser embodying the present invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like numerals are used to indicate like parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of the system;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are, respectively, a front elevation, a side elevationand a plan view of the mixing component of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a section taken along the line 7-7 of FIGS. 4 and 6;

FIG. 8 and 9 are, respectively, a front and a side elevation of thedispensing component of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an under plan view of the dispensing component of FIGS. 8 and9;

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are, respectively, a front elevation, a sideelevation and a plan view of the storage component of the system of FIG.1;

FIG. 14 is a section taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a dispenser in accordance with the present inventionfor mixing liquid product into a drink;

FIG. 16 illustrates how a plurality of dispensers of FIG. 15 may bepackaged;

FIGS. 17 to 18 disclose an embodiment similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 where a product for mixing is additionally containedwithin the mixing section;

FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate various embodiments of the present inventionwhen applied to a straw;

FIGS. 22 to 23 illustrate the present invention applied to a mixingstick; and

FIGS. 24 to 38 illustrate various embodiments of a dispenser inaccordance with the present invention, applied to a spoon.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the invention consistsof three components, a storage component 2 for a product, a mixingcomponent 4 and a dispensing component 6.

The mixing component, which can be more clearly seen in FIGS. 4 to 7,comprises a hollow cylindrical body 8 of predetermined internal andexternal diameter. The body has an upper rim or collar portion 10 ofreduced internal diameter sized to accommodate the lower end portion ofthe storage component, and has a lower rim or collar portion 12 ofreduced external diameter to matingly engage an opening in the upper endof the dispensing component 6.

The body 8 has a central axially extending rod 14 with a pointed upperend 14A which extends into the region of the upper rim portion 10. Therod 14 is supported within the body 8 by a pair of arcuate flanges 16and 18 which extend between the inner wall of the body 8 and the rod 14.Each flange subtends at an angle of 180° about the axis of the rod 14and spirals downwardly in opposite senses about the axis of the rod 14.

Thus, the upper radially extending end of each flange 16 and 18 startsfrom a common line extending diametrically across the cylindrical bodyat junction with the lower end of the upper rim portion and the lowerradially extending end of each flange terminates in a common lineextending diametrically across the cylindrical body at the junction withthe upper end of the lower rim portion. Thus, the axial length of eachflange equals the distance between the upper and lower rim portions. Inoperation, when a liquid is discharged into the upper rim portion 10,half the liquid will be swirled about the rod 14 in a clockwise sense byone of the flanges and the other half of the liquid will be swirledaround the rod 14 in an anticlockwise sense. The resulting two streamsof liquid leaving the flanges will meet swirling around in oppositesenses to ensure a high degree of turbulence in the resulting flow.

The free lateral faces of the two flanges at their lower ends lie in acommon vertical plane to ensure that the liquid flowing down each flangebreaks away from the surface of the flange as it is dischargedtherefrom.

The angular downward slope of each flange preferably lies in the rangeof from 40° to 60° but more advantageously lies in the range of from 45°to 55°.

The dispensing component which is more clearly shown in FIGS. 8 to 10consists of an upper cylindrical support or collar 28 which has aninternal diameter matching the external diameter of the lower rimportion 12 of the mixing component 4. Depending downwardly from thesupport 28 is an elongate hollow conical portion 29 decreasing indiameter with distance from the support 28. The conical portion isprovided with two substantially flat faces 20 and 22 on diametricallyopposite sides thereof.

Each flat face is provided with an axially extending row of six equallyspaced openings 24 in the lower region thereof.

In operation, when the dispensing component is lowered into a body aliquid to a level in which all the openings 24 are submerged and aturbulent flow is introduced from the mixing component 4, the turbulentflow will emerge from all the openings 24 in a turbulent fashion toensure a thorough mixing with the body liquid.

The storage component 2, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 11 to 14, has alower collar 30 having an external diameter matching the internaldiameter of the upper rim portion 10 which is arranged to receive thecollar 30. Extending upwardly from the collar 30 is a generally elongatehollow bulbous portion 32 which is arranged to store the fluid which isto be discharged from the system.

The mouth of the collar 30 is bridged by a rupturable membrane (notshown) eg of plastics lined aluminium foil to seal the contents withinthe bulbous portion 32.

In operation, when the collar 30 is made to engage the upper rim portion10 and urged downwardly, the pointed upper end 14A of the rod willpierce the membrane to release the contents into the mixing component 4where turbulent mixing will occur. As the turbulent contents dischargesfrom the mixing component 4, it enters the discharge component 6 to bereleased into a surrounding body of liquid through the openings 24.

The three components may be coupled together in a variety of ways, thecouplings may be achieved by a force fit, adhesive or even a screwthreaded connection.

The fluid may flow through the system under gravitational force or theflow may be assisted by making the bulbous portion 32 of flaccid orresilient material so that pressure can be applied to it to force thefluid therefrom.

A variety of different sized or shaped storage components can be fittedto a standard sized mixing component. Equally, different sizeddispensing portions or ones having different sized apertures, can befitted to the mixing portion.

While the three components can be provided as separate components forassembly at the point of sale, it is preferable to provide the systemready assembled with the particular size and shape combination dedicatedto each different type of fluid to be dispensed.

In this situation, the assembly of the storage component with the mixingcomponent would need to be in a semi complete state in order to preventthe pointed end 14A of the rod prematurely piercing the membrane. Thus,for example, a tear off ring (not shown) may be provided around thecollar 30 to prevent the collar 30 from fully engaging the upper rimportion and so holding the membrane spaced from the pointed end 14A.

By subsequently tearing off the ring, the two components 4 and 6 canthen be fully pushed together to cause the pointed end 14A to pierce themembrane and release the fluid.

If the coupling between the collar 30 and the upper rim portion 10 is ofthe screw threaded type, the components may be initially only partiallyscrew threaded together and locked or clamped in that state by anencircling band of plastics. Tearing off the band allows the twocomponents to be fully screw threaded together to again release thefluid.

Other means of achieving the same end will be apparent. For example, thecollar 12 may be closed by a valve which can be opened by the rod 14 orsome other separate means. The valve may be magnetically operated by anexternal magnet.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated an alternative embodimentof the present invention, where the dispenser comprises a bulb 33 whichforms a holder for a liquid product to be mixed into a drink. The bulb33 is squeezable so that the product inside the bulb can be forced outthrough apertures 34 in the bulb. The apertures are configured such thatwhen the bulb 33 is squeezed the liquid product exists the apertures 34under pressure forming a jet of liquid, such that when the lower portionof the bulb 33 is immersed in a liquid, for example carbonated water,the contents of the bulb, which may be a flavouring, mix rapidly withthe liquid already present.

Prior to use, the jets 34 are covered by a seal 35. This ensures thatthe product in the bulb 33 is of the quantity and quality expected andthe seal may indicate the product type or flavour.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a plurality of bulbs 33 whichare formed by a blown technique. The blown technique of manufacture notonly produces bulbs 33 but also a retention portion 36 by which aplurality of bulb are joined to form a strip. Adjacent retentionportions 36 are separated by pre-weakened lines 37 enabling the bulbs 36to be separated. In turn each bulb 33 is joined to its retention portion36 by further pre-weakened line 38, enabling the bulb 33 to be separatedtherefrom. The bulb 33, when separated from retention portion 36 has anaesthetically pleasing shape.

The dispenser of FIGS. 15 and 16 can be used to dispenser cocktails in abar environment, but could equally be used for dispensingpharmaceuticals or other product it is desired to maintain in a sterileenvironment prior to mixing with a volume of liquid for internalconsumption.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is illustrated a dispenser inaccordance with the present invention, which is similar to that of FIGS.1 to 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a mixing component4 additionally comprises a product in solid form to be dispensed. Theproduct to be dispensed may be a flavour for a drink, or apharmaceutical. In a beverage application, the bulb and mixing sectionmay be of some aesthetically pleasing design, as illustrated at 40 with,for example, an alcoholic beverage contained and sealed in bulb 2, witha colouring, flavouring or nucleating product, to cause fizz, containedin the mixing component 4. In this application, the quality and quantityof liquid in bulb 2 is known, being provided as a sealed item, anddispensing is controlled through the mixing component 4, the usercontrolling the volume of liquid in the bulb 2 dispensed. The dispenseralso permits the individual to mix and match mixing components and bulbsto obtain a drink of a desired combination.

As indicated above the device may equally well be used for dispensingpharmaceuticals. In this case, as illustrated at 41, the bulb 2 andmixing component 6 may be of a simple functional design, bulb 2 possiblycontaining sterile water, to be mixed with a pharmaceutical, therebyproviding safe sterile water of a known volume to be mixed with theappropriate dosage of drug, as desired.

As illustrated at 42, the invention is equally applicable to chemicalsand an appropriate liquid chemical could be contained in bulb 2 to bemixed in mixing component 4 with another chemical. The dispenserensuring proper mixing of the chemicals prior to dispensing into aliquid.

Regardless of the application, the dispensing component 6 may comprisefins 39 to assist in manual stirring of the final composition. In eitherembodiment, the bulbs 2 would normally be sealed to maintain thecontents in a sterile environment, the seal being pierced by insertionof the bulb 2 into the mixing component.

Referring now to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a further embodiment ofthe present invention where the holder of the dispenser comprises astraw 40 having an upper section 41 and a lower section 42 joined by acasing 43 in which is stored a product to be dispensed which is in asolid form. As liquid is sucked through the straw 40, where it comesinto contact with the product and dissolves the product. The product isdesigned to dissolve at an appropriate flow rate to add the desiredtaste to the liquid being drawn through the straw. The product may alterthe texture of the liquid, by thickening it, introducing fizz or modifythe taste of the product by introducing a flavour. Additionally, theproduct could be a menthol based product which provides a cooling effectin the mouth.

A further straw type dispenser is illustrated in FIG. 20 where a chamber44 is located between the upper and lower sections of the straw. Thechamber 44 is compressible and arranged to receive a capsule 45 whichcan be inserted through lower end of the straw. Once inserted, becauseof the shape of the capsule, it is difficult for the capsule to leavethe chamber and therefore the capsule 45 is retained in the chamber. Thecapsule 45 contains a product to be released as the liquid is drawnthrough the straw and, immediately prior to use, the walls of thechamber 44 are compressed in order to rupture the capsule 45. Thecapsule 45 has a frangible section designed to rupture in apredetermined manner such that product is released from the capsule 45at a predetermined rate, relative to the flow of liquid through thechamber 44.

Referring now to the FIG. 21 embodiment, this again illustrates adispenser comprising a straw, but in this embodiment the straw 40 has aplurality of intermediate apertures 46. These are surrounded by acompressible reservoir 47 containing a liquid product. The apertures 46are sealed prior to use by appropriate seals (not shown). The seals maybe arranged to dissolve as liquid is drawn through the straw, forexample starch based seals, or the seals may be designed to rupture whensufficient pressure is exerted on the walls of the flexible reservoir47. As liquid is drawn through the straw 40, pressure is applied by theuser to the reservoir 46 such that the product within the reservoir ismixed with the liquid being drawn through the straw at an appropriaterate to produce the desired taste.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, there is illustrated an embodiment of the presentinvention where product to be dispensed is in the form of a pellet 48formed on the bottom of a mixing stick 49. The product, as shown in FIG.22, is retained in a sealed wrapper 50, the wrapper being removed, asshown in FIG. 23, prior to use when the pellet is swirled around a drinkuntil an appropriate quantity has dissolved.

Depending on the product to be dispensed, it may be advantageous toemploy a dispenser in the form of a spoon. There are any number ofpossible configurations for such a spoon, but examples of particularlyadvantageous configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 24 a to 38 c.

Referring to FIG. 24 a, there is illustrated a nylon spoon 51 having arecess 52 therein, in which is moulded a predetermined quantity ofproduct 53 which is in the form of a solid comprising flavouringcontained within a solid starch. In use, a customer purchases the spoon51, obtains a cup of hot water which he/she then stirs with the spoon 51until the product 53 dissolves, leaving the spoon as shown in FIG. 24 b.An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 25 a and 25 b where thespoon 51 comprises two portions, a handle portion 51 a and a bowlportion 51 b. Between the two portions is a spindle 54, on which theproduct in the form a short tube 55 is held in place, as shown in FIG.25 a, by the two sections 51 a and 51 b being snapped together. Thespoon when purchased is contained in a sealed bag 56, as shown in FIG.25 c.

Referring to FIG. 26, an alternative embodiment, is illustrated whichagain, as shown in FIG. 26 a, is sold in a sealed bag 56. In thisexample, the spoon 51 comprises a cage 57 formed by the body of thespoon and nylon meshes 58 and 59. Mesh 58 is moulded integrally with thespoon while mesh 59 snaps into the spoon, as illustrated in FIG. 26 c,after the product 60 has been inserted. The product 60 may be coffeegranules for example. As shown in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b, the mesh 58, andthe corresponding mesh 59, can be sealed by a heat shrink seal 61 whichis removed prior to use. When the seal is removed the spoon is immersedin hot water and stirred, causing the hot water to flow through the cage57 dissolving the coffee or product contained therein

FIGS. 28 a, 28 b, 29 a and 29 b show a further variation of the spoon51, in which the product 60 is again retained in a cage 57 by meshes 58and 59, but in this embodiment the cage has a hinged door 61.

FIGS. 30 a and 30 b show the cage 57 sealed by a heat shrink sleeve 62.Prior to use, a tear strip 63 is used to remove the heat shrink sleeve62.

Referring to FIGS. 31 a and 31 b, there is illustrated a furtheralternative embodiment of spoon, where the bowl section 51 b is removedfrom the handle section 51 a to open a cage 57 formed integrally withthe handle section 51 a.

In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 a and 32 b, coffeeor another product 60 is contained within a spoon 64. Spoon 64comprising a plunger 65 for forcing the product 60 through a membrane66, rupturing previously sealed compartment 67. The product 60 thenenters the chamber 68 through which fluid may flow as indicated byarrows 69 in FIG. 32 b.

A variation of the FIG. 32 a and 32 b embodiment is illustrated in FIGS.33 a and 33 b, where depressing a plunger 70 in spoon 71 conveys product60 to a cage 72 where to be dissolved by water entering the cage 72, asshown in FIG. 33 b.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 34 a and 34 b, the spoon,indicated generally as 72, comprises a bowl portion 73 and a handleportion 74, the handle portion 74 being raised to permit fluid to flowthrough vents 75 into the cage 76 where product 60 is dissolved.

In a further variation, the two sections of spoon may be arranged to berotated relative to each other to align vents 75, permitting the liquidto dissolve the product, as illustrated in FIGS. 35 a and 35 b.

As an alternative to having the product to be dispensed towards the bowlportion of the spoon, as previously described, the product, asillustrated in FIGS. 36 a and 36 b may be contained in a cage 77 havingnylon mesh inserts 78, the cage being located at the top of the handleof the spoon. The cage 77 may be a snap fit to the top of the shaft ofthe spoon 78 thereby permitting easy filling of the cage 77 with anappropriate product. The cage preferably has a protective sleeve 79around it, which sleeve may indicate the product therein and which isslipped off prior to use.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 37 a and 37 b where aspoon, indicated generally as 80, comprises a handle portion 80 a and abowl portion 80 b. The handle portion 80 a comprises a cage 81containing a product 60 retained in place by a clip-in disc 82. When thehandle portion 80 a is fully inserted in the bowl portion 80 b, as shownin FIG. 37 a, the cage 81 is sealed by the bowl portion 80 b of thespoon. To dissolve the contents of the cage, the cage is removed fromthe bowl portion 80 b of the spoon and the product dissolved in liquidbefore the cage is reinserted in the handle portion 80 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 37 c and 38 c, a product may come in any numberof flavours or types and these may be indicated by the protective sealson the cages of the spoons.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated byway of example, but many more variations will be apparent which fallwithin the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the inventionhas been described primarily with reference to beverage applications butthe claimed invention is not limited to any particular application.

1. A disposable product dispenser for dispensing product into a liquidprior to consumption, the dispenser comprising a quantity of productsufficient for a drink or dose and a holder for the product,characterised in that the holder is arranged to permit a user to releasethe product in a controlled manner and to mix the product with theliquid.
 2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, comprising means tomaintain the product in a sterile environment until the product is to bedispensed.
 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the holderis arranged to permit the user to dispense the product into the liquidwhilst controlling movement of the product in the liquid and permittingthe dispensing to be terminated if desired.
 4. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the product is in the form of a solid block mounted onor towards one end of the holder.
 5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4,wherein the holder is in the form of a spoon with the product located onthe lower region of the spoon handle towards the bowl of the spoon
 6. Adispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein the product is contained in awater soluble starch.
 7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein theholder comprises a mesh or apertured section defining a cage from whichthe product is dispensed.
 8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, whereinthe dispenser is a spoon with the cage mounted on the handle of thespoon towards the bowl of the spoon.
 9. A dispenser as claimed in claim8, wherein the spoon is formed of a first portion and a second portionwith the cage integrally formed with one portion.
 10. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second portions of the spoonare arranged to be moved relative to each other to release the product.11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 10, wherein movement of the firstportion relative to the second portion opens vents to permit liquid toflow through the cage.
 12. A dispenser as claimed in claim 10,comprising a sealed compartment in which the product is retained priorto use, the spoon being arranged such that movement of the first portionrelative to the second portion causes the product to break through theseal into a region through which liquid may flow.
 13. A dispenser asclaimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first portion includesa handle portion of the spoon and the second portion includes a bowlportion of the spoon.
 14. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein thecage is on the end of the handle of the spoon.
 15. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the product is a granular soluble solid. 16.A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, in which the product is a liquid. 17.A dispenser as claimed in claim 16, wherein the liquid is oil based. 18.A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder comprises astraw having product located therein, the straw and product beingarranged such that a user sucking liquid through the straw causes theliquid to pass over and dissolve the product.
 19. A dispenser as claimedin claim 18, wherein the product is solid and formed integrally with theholder.
 20. A dispenser as claimed in claim 18, wherein the holdercomprises a chamber located on the straw between a lower and an uppersection of the straw, which chamber is arranged to receive product inthe form of a capsule.
 21. A dispenser as claimed in claim 20, whereinthe capsule is inserted into the chamber through the lower or uppersection of the straw.
 22. A dispenser as claimed in claim 20, whereinthe chamber comprises flexible walls which can be compressed by a userwherein the capsule is frangible such that the product is retained in asealed environment until the capsule is ruptured by squeezing thechamber when the capsule is located in the chamber.
 23. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 22, wherein the capsule is designed to rupture in apredetermined manner such that the product is released at apredetermined rate, relative to the flow of liquid through the chamber.24. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensercomprises a straw having an inlet and outlet at opposite ends and one ormore intermediate apertures between the ends of the straw, theintermediate apertures being surrounded by a compressible reservoircontaining product to be dispensed as liquid is sucked through thestraw.
 25. A dispenser as claimed in claim 24, wherein the reservoir iscompressible and arranged such that pressure exerted on the outside ofthe reservoir will control the rate at which the product is dispensed.26. A dispenser as claimed in claim 24, wherein the intermediateapertures comprise seals arranged to dissolve as liquid is suckedthrough the straw.
 27. A dispenser as claimed in claim 24, wherein theintermediate apertures comprise seals arranged to rupture whensufficient pressure is exerted on the reservoir.
 28. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder comprises a dispensing valvein which product is retained, the valve being arranged to receive andseal to a liquid reservoir such that the product is mixed with theliquid as liquid passes from the reservoir through the valve.
 29. Adispenser as claimed in claim 28, wherein the holder further comprises adispensing nozzle arranged to be immersed in a drink, the dispensingnozzle receiving liquid and product from the valve and being arranged todirect this as jets into the drink.
 30. A dispenser as claimed in claim28, wherein the valve is arranged to receive a capsule containingproduct to be dispensed.
 31. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2,wherein the holder comprises a compressible bulb containing a product,the bulb having a plurality of outlets through which the product isdirected as jets when the bulb is compressed, the jets being covered bya seal which is arranged to be removed prior to use.
 32. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 31, wherein a plurality of bulbs are integrally formedas a strip, the bulbs being arranged to be removed individually from thestrip.
 33. A dispenser as claimed in claim 31, wherein the product is analcoholic liquid.
 34. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, furthercomprising a mixing section having an inlet and an outlet, meansdefining a first path, extending helically in one sense about an axis,means defining a second path extending helically in the opposite senseabout said axis, both said paths being positioned to receivesubstantially equal amounts of fluid from said inlet and to dischargethe fluids flowing there along to a common location adjacent saidoutlet, whereby to effect turbulent mixing.
 35. A dispenser as accordingto claim 34, wherein said inlet lies vertically above the outlet, andwherein each of said paths slopes to the vertical at an angle in therange of from 30° to 60°.
 36. A dispenser according to claim 34, whereinsaid inlet lies above said outlet and wherein each of said paths slopeswith respect to the horizontal at an angle in the range of from 40° to50°.
 37. A dispenser according to claim 34, wherein said mixing sectioncomprises a cylindrical body having a central axially extending member,and wherein said means defining the first and second paths comprisesfirst and second arcuate flanges supporting said central member from thewall of said body.
 38. A dispenser according to claim 37, wherein eachof said arcuate flanges subtends at an angle of 180° about said axis andlies on the diametrically opposite side of said axis to the otherflange.
 39. A dispenser according to claim 37, wherein the downstreamend of each of said arcuate flanges defines an abrupt termination of thepath.
 40. A dispenser according to claim 34, including a dispensingsection having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the mixing section andhaving an elongate conical section which reduces in diameter withdistance from the inlet, the conical section having two substantiallyplanar faces on diametrically opposite sides thereof, and apertures ineach face to discharge fluid entering the conical section from itsinlet.
 41. A dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the apertures ineach said face are arranged substantially equally spaced from oneanother in a row extending centrally and longitudinally of said faces.42. A dispenser according to claim 34, including a storage sectionhaving an outlet which can be coupled to the inlet of the mixingsection, and an elongate hollow bulbous portion extending form from itsinlet and for storing fluid.
 43. A dispenser according to claim 37,including a sealing membrane extending across the inlet of the storagesection to seal the fluid in the bulbous section.
 44. A dispenseraccording to claim 43, wherein said mixing section includes piercingmeans for piercing said membrane to release said fluid from the storagesection when the outlet of said storage section becomes fully engagedwith the inlet of said mixing section.
 45. A dispenser according toclaim 43, as dependent on claims 4, 9, 10 and 11, wherein said piercingmeans is carried by the leading end of said central axially extendingmember.
 46. A dispenser according to claim 42, wherein said bulbousportion is flaccid or flexible and can be squeezed.
 47. A dispenseraccording to claim 44, including locking means for releasably lockingsaid storage section and said mixer section in partial engagement toprevent the rupture of said membrane by said piercing means, release ofsaid locking means enabling full engagement to take place with theconsequent rupture of said membrane.
 48. A dispenser as claimed in claim1, wherein the quantity of product is sufficient for only one drink ordose.
 49. (canceled)